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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






2. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






3. A symbol indicating to play loud.






4. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






5. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






6. The interval between two notes. Three whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






7. A set of six musicians who perform a composition written for six parts.






8. Repetition of a single tone.






9. A symbol indicating the note is to be raised by one semitone.






10. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






11. Made up of five horizontal parallel lines and the spaces between them on which musical notation is written.






12. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






13. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






14. Closing section of a movement.






15. A string of chords played in succession.






16. A lighthearted piece - written in several movements - usually as background music for a social function.






17. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






18. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






19. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






20. A piece of music written in triple time. Also an old French dance.






21. Music that is easy to listen to and understand.






22. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






23. A musical composition that has a romantic or dreamy character with nocturnal associations.






24. A curve over notes to indicate that a phrase is to be played legato.






25. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






26. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






27. The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.






28. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






29. When several strings are tuned to harmonically related pitches - all strings vibrate when only one of the strings is struck.






30. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






31. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






32. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






33. A musical scale having five notes.For example: the five black keys of a keyboard make up a pentatonic scale.






34. The first violin in an orchestra.






35. The major and minor keys that share the same notes in that key.For example: A minor shares the same note as C major.






36. A 19th century square dance written for 4 couples.






37. A harmonic given off by a note when it is played.






38. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played smoothly.






39. A short light musical drama.






40. A composition written for nine instruments.






41. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






42. Tone color - quality of sound that distinguishes one verse or instrument to another. It is determined by the harmonies of sound.






43. Two or more voices or instruments playing the same note simultaneously.






44. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






45. Two notes that differ in name only. The notes occupy the same position.For example: C sharp and D flat.






46. Combining a number of individual but harmonizing melodies. Also known as counterpoint.






47. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






48. A symbol indicating to play loud.






49. A combination of two or more staves on which all the notes are vertically aligned and performed simultaneously in differing registers and instruments.






50. A sequence of songs - perhaps on a single theme - or with texts by one poet - or having continuos narrative.